San Francisco...No Peace & Love in Haight-Ashbury! Police shuffle homeless along!

Later this month, San Francisco's finest will be enforcing a spanking-new ordinance that bans loitering (camping out) in the bustling city streets.

In particular, the men-in-blue intend to focus on a posse of homeless down-and-out beggars who hang out at the curb panhandling (and what-have-you) in the Haight-Ashbury district.

"They disrupt our businesses," one shopkeeper lamented to one eager reporter bent on nabbing up a scoop.

"I've seen them selling drugs on-the-sly," another hissed to all within earshot in disgust, in so many words.

In response, one irate transient was quite vocal about the upcoming purge about to descend in the trendy city by the Bay.

"They can't do that. This is Haight-Ashbury! Peace and Love, and all that, man!"

City dwellers may recall that the once-colorful bohemian neighborhood was a mecca for a gang of free-spirited hippies who flocked to the West Coast way back in the sixties (in the era of the anti-war "flower" movement).

Like Yorkville in Toronto (my hometown), the quaint pocket of - "a free society" - went by way of the dinosaur decades ago, and was transformed - OMG - into an upscale shopping attraction.

And, Haight-Ashbury is now a dynamic hub for enterprising businessmen, out-to-make a quick buck on the ghosts of the celebrated past.

The police have noted that they have been slow to enforce the ordinance because they are waiting for fliers to be printed up in English and Spanish which will provide information on local shelters and outreach programs where the "displaced" may take refuge when they are pushed out.

Bottom line?

City officials are anxious to sweep the nasty eyesore out-of-sight - as spring awakens - and tourists start flowing into San Francisco once again as the economy builds steam.

Once the ordinance is ripe for enforcement, where will the homeless go?

In the words of immortal Bob Dylan:

"The answer is blowing in the wind!

Or, may be in the hands of Civil Rights Advocates, anxious to take a stand in the local courts.

After all, it's a sad state of affairs, when individuals can't be free in the streets.

Is a police state (or a George Orwellian society) just around the corner?

News at 11!




http://www.thetattler.biz

Internet...intriguing ghosts from the past! Touching someone!



Heady days at Rochdale College!

Today, I am once again swept away by the remarkable mysteries of life, and - most certainly - the potent reach of the Internet!

For instance, earlier today, a curious e-mail arrived from across the miles from an individual I met by chance over forty years ago in Toronto (my hometown).

A young woman - by the name of Jennifer - zipped off the communication to determine if I was "Don" - who used to reside in an ashram suite at Rochdale College in 1968 (an experimental communal-living unit at the free school) - which was all decorated in black (and featured in TIME magazine that year).

In a previous post, I mentioned my heady days at the free college, in the turbulent sixties!

Post: 10/26/2008

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/10/blogginginternet-opens-door-to-past.html

So, I expect that by way of a precise search on GOOGLE, the lass was able to locate me years later, as I vacation here in San Francisco (and work on a new series of paintings).

In response, I composed a quick note to inform the acquaintance from the past  - that yes, indeed - I was the individual she was seeking from the ghostly (but memorable) days of her youth.

My birth name was "Donald", but years later - after I was separated from my family - I legally changed my name to Julian Ayrs (and - subsequently - my destiny was set on another path, too!).

Just now, I received a delightful e-mail back, in which Jennifer fondly recalled that I was kind-of-like a Pied-Piper who delighted folks way back then (when I was a free spirit and danced in the streets of downtown Toronto).

Whew!

That's over four decades ago!

But, what touched me most, were the kind sentiments expressed therein.

Gosh, it's such a compliment to remembered so fondly over the years, and still be in the heart and mind of a innocent young girl, who was a mere eight years old when our paths originally first crossed!

Life is sweet, eh?

And, I count my blessings, for that!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Unknown Student

(Rochdale College on Bloor St. in Toronto)

Oscars...Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore & Randy Newman slated to perform!

 

Ads for upcoming Oscars a bit flat!

Ever since the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences nabbed sizzling hot James Franco & sexy Anne Hathaway to host the upcoming Oscar celebrations in Tinsel Town, the power-brokers behind-the-scenes (Producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer) have been scrambling to round up a roster of heavy-weights to bolster their dazzling heady show-biz assignment on stage February 27th.

Gwyneth Paltrow has been lined up to warble "Coming Home" - for instance - a headlining tune she performed in the recently-released Country & Western gut-wrencher - "Country Strong" - which made a big splash in recent days at theatres around the country.

Randy Newman, Mandy Moore, and Zachery Levi and Florence Welch (The Machine) will also perform Oscar-nominated tunes when the curtain rings up in front of the glam-packed house at the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard just before springs roars in at the end of the month.

Newman will also warble a tune from "Toy Story 3" - while Mandy Moore & Levi and Menchen - were hand-picked to harmonize "I see the Light" from the animated hit "Tangled".

Stay posted for the latest news Oscar buzz, eh?

Still waiting for my invite.

Oh well, 'ya know how it is with snail mail these days!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



You've got to have friends...Jack Black takes over MySpace!

King of MySpace?

It's been uncanny!

For several weeks - whenever I signed in to my Facebook page - right off-the-bat I couldn't help but notice that the Dalai Lama (Buddhist Spiritual leader) - just posted to the Internet seconds earlier!

Then, the curious phenomenon started to unfold in respect to Ryan Seacrest, too.

The contributions of the winsome twosome are quite different in substance, however.

For instance, whenever his "Holiness" posts a message, it tends to be of a philosophical nature, so I tend to mull over the nuggets of wisdom before heading out for the day to undertake chores and what-have-you.

Ryan Seacrest - on the other hand - tends to utter up short sweet ditties about the curiousities of "Yogurt" or the tantalizing aroma of catering-truck fast-foods that assail his sensitive nostrils as he speeds onto the lot over at E News!

Like myself, Ryan tends to be an observer, who takes note of trends and the quirks that move - and ultimately inspire - the human animal during the course of the routine work day (and the party-hearty sizzling' hot nights that rev up under an intense golden orb setting sun on the West Coast shores).

Just the other day, I was quite surprised (and flattered) to receive a friend request from comic Jack Black.

Although I am fond of his wild antics - on-camera-and-off - I have yet to review one of his flicks.

But, he's on my radar now, you betcha!

Shortly after I shuffled Mr. Black to the top of my "friends" list on MySpace, the multi-talented dude fired off a post which caused me to ceremoniously whoop-and-holler a tad.

Jack announced that he's taking over MySpace.

Well, the site could do with a zany character at the helm, if only to spice things up a tad!

After promoting Eminem's record these past few months at forgus beylan, the intriguing rapper has come on board as a friend, too.

Hmmm!

Wonder what the reclusive Pop Icon's really like when you get him along in a corner somewhere out of the glare of the spotlight?

Just a normal dude, I expect.

Bottom line, as Bette Midler would say:

"You've got to have friends"

Amen, baby!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

You've got to have friends!

The Taqwacores...Muslim punks! Win tickets to attend screening!

 

Earlier this year, I caught the screening of the "Taqwacores" at  the Asian Pacific Film Festival.

There was such a buzz about the film, that the artistic director was unable to accommodate all the fillm buffs who turned out at the Director's Guild to catch it.

The visually-stunning flick sold out!

Readers at forgus beylan may recall the glowing movie review it received at this site.

Post:  05/07/10

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3458481441884861780

Now, filmgoers have a golden opportunity to win a ticket for an upcoming screening in Beverly Hills on Nov. 7th.

Ticket Contest

Mail an e-mail with your name and contact info to:

rsvpdiversity@sag.org

The vastly entertaining film is an intriguing foray into the realm of Muslim punks.

Screening Venue

Screen Actors Guild
James Cagney Screening Room
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Love & Romance...is it ever to late?

 

It’s been a while since a potential suitor tried to put a few smooth moves on me.

So, when a cashier at a local shop started to openly make a play for me tonight, I pooh-poohed the notion of a romance.

Curiously, I confessed to an acquaintance in San Francisco just this morning, that I was relieved when animal passions - and a persistent state of horniness - dropped off in recent years.

“I used to be led around by the end of my cock,” I chuckled.

And, ‘ya know what they say.

A stiff dick has no conscience!

Fortunately, I was blessed with a constant flow of potential suitors, anxious to satisfy all my sexual urges.

In fact, everywhere I turned, potential lovers were always popping out-of-the-workwork proposing marriage.

When I first sauntered into Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, the mere suggestion of an ongoing relationship was out-of-the-question.

I was “married” to my career and content to play the field.

In retrospect?

I was obviously spoiled.

When I get nostalgic, and reflect on my love life, a couple of lovers loom large in my memory.

In one instance, it has dawned on me lately - that one relentless pursuer I was particularly fond of - would have been a great soul mate.

A corny sentiment, I know!

At a time when I fantasize about being in love again, the local clerk’s unexpected advances are encouraging.

To be called “sexy” at this juncture in my life is a sure-fire indication that I am not all washed up when it comes to “hooking up”.

Unfortunately, when you’re older and wiser, practicality factors in.

Mature individuals are  inclined to do a reality check - before jumping in - and making a big splash.

Personally, I seize on all the reasons why I shouldn’t pursue a relationship, to avoid potential heart-break.

But, now and then, throwing caution to the wind is like a breath of fresh air.

Uh-huh!

I am hopeless romantic who still fantasizes about riding off into the sunset with Prince Charming.

Is it ever to late to fall head-over-heels in love?

A person can dream, can't they?

http://www.thetattler.biz

 
 
 

My heart line looks a little complicated!

Randy Quaid...arrest warrant issued! Squatter's rights unfounded...

Trouble appears to be following Randy Quaid (and his wife) around these days.

Once again, the B-list actor is in hot water with the courts.

What do the Orientals say?

May you live in interesting times!

If you recall, a scant few months ago  an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Quaid, when he allegedly skipped out on a bill at a luxury Hotel and left red-faced managers holding the proverbial bag.

Quaid must have coughed up the dough for the room service tab and back-rent due, though, because he was free as a bird once again.

The shocking word out of Hollywood now?

Quaid may be broke and homeless.

Recently, the talented actor - with a half-a-dozen-or-so box offices successes under his belt - was caught (and charged) with illegally camping out in a guest house of a property he once owned.

After-the-fact, a Judge issued an arrest warrant for Quaid when he failed to appear before the bench, to answer to the allegations.

Too embarrassed to show your face, Randy?

Maybe his sensible brother, Dennis, should step in and offer some support.

Or, does he follow biblical wisdom?

I am not my brothers's keeper.

Amen!

Randy, if you're strapped for cash - or need assistance - contact the Screen Actors Guild (or AFTRA).

Maybe the actor's fund can offer up some relief temporarily during your financial crunch and legal snafu.

Worth looking into, anyway!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

\

Dennis the brother with all the brawn & brains?

Giants...Game 2 frenzy builds! Philly players "Fears the Beard"...

The atmosphere at Citizen’s Ball Park in Philadelphia was electric, as cocky Philly fans strode into the stadium, and valiantly waved on their sports heroes business as usual.

Fear the beard?

Perish the thought!

In spite of rustling up a spat of wins in recent days, the Giants didn’t get much respect initially, when they humbly sauntered into town.

By the end of the night, however, sports critics were scrambling to fathom a victory, that literally knocked the Philadelphia players out of the ball park.

Well, their psyches, at least.

Until last night, the Phillies boasted - that over the past 7 years - they’d always won the 1st game in any play-off series they participated in.

It was a crushing blow to die-hard fans when - come the 9th inning - the Phillies went down.

Of course, there will be a lot of Sunday morning “dugout” analysis on the specifics, sure to run the gamut.

Big outs! Highlight moments! Strikes & walks (that wowed ‘em).

But, the assessment by one spotlighted ball player, was the only one on the money.

“We checked our egos at the door, put our personal stats aside, and came together as a team,” Cody Ross (Giants) uttered up sincerely, at the bottom of the 9th.

For Ross, it’s been a classic Hollywood-style story.

A star pitcher (rolling out the fastballs for the Giants) got sick one night, so Cody - usually twiddling his thumbs in the dugout after being traded-off - got a call from the brass.

“You’re up kid!”

The rest, as they say, is baseball history.

If you go along with the scuttlebutt, without doubt, Roy Halladay - a “Golden Boy” in Baseball circles - was at the top of his game last night.

So, when one fan underscored from the sidelines that it was “all in the pitching”, some were left to scratch their crotches and replay all the smooth moves in their heads, to figure out the surprise turn-of-events late in the match on the diamond in Philadelphia on Friday eve.

What happened?

A torture tour, indeed!

“When the 2nd home run came, it totally changed the direction of the game,” an astute sports observer - rooting for the Giants - asserted to all within earshot.

Perhaps die-hard fans - who flew out on red-eye flights to catch the kick-off game - provided the inspiration the Giants needed to hang tough (with quiet confidence), push that much harder (and ultimately) lift the bar.

Meanwhile, it was a real hoot catching the reactions on the faces of a handful of players, when they struck out (walked, even).

Fear of the beard?

Not an urban myth, by any stretch of the imagination!

In fact, by the end of the 1st game of the playoffs, it was a grim reality.

After all, the Giants roared from behind, ripped the turf from under the Phillies - and before the players knew what hit them - suddenly owned the night.

The general consensus?

The Giants earned it!

Now, the frenzied “Playoff fever” has definitely settled in.

At trendy watering holes in San Francisco, fans started to tip their elbows early in the day, and the chug-a-lugging continued into the long good night.

A sea of orange and black said it all.

If ‘ya didn’t catch a “fear the beard” t-shirt in the crowd, it was for legal reasons.

The two gents (paramedics from Santa Cruz) who drummed up the catchy slogan have a copyright pending on the intellectual property which is currently stirring up a rant around the country.

Although relentless fans may be able to rustle up a shirt in the Santa Cruz area, the shelves at the Giants’ souvenir shop remain empty ‘til the rights to the novelty item have been signed, sealed, and delivered.

Curiously, the two creators of the celebrated phrase of the day, stated for the record on the news last night that they weren’t out to make a fistful of bucks on their idea.

“If we make enough to pay for trips to the games, that would be great,” they gushed to the reporter who tracked them down.

If that’s the case, just maybe, the visionary duo wouldn’t mind if fans scrawled the message on an old sweatshirt or two, as they head out to catch Game 2 Sunday afternoon.

By the way, clear skies are expected in Philadelphia.

It may end up being a starry night, in more ways than one, eh?

See ‘ya there!
 
http://www.thetattler.biz/
 

Go Giants Go!